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SINGAPORE: Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said that no child in Singapore will be left without a home, and officers will step in to ensure this if a family is in danger of losing its home.
Dr Balakrishnan was answering a question in Parliament about the problem of homelessness here.
In the last three years, the Ministry helped 148 families through its network of social workers. And eventually, 107 families found alternative housing.
Depending on the needs, families were given options. They were either helped to buy a flat within their means, or referred to temporary private shelters or rented public flats.
Dr Balakrishnan said the government-funded welfare homes for the destitute were a last resort for those who had no jobs, and no family. But he said the Ministry was most concerned about the impact of homelessness on children.
He said: "I have taken such an active stand to make sure we do not have people camping out on beaches, or parks or void decks, even though these may be safe and indeed, sometimes even pleasant areas for adults.
"These are not good and safe areas for children. And so I have insisted that (to) anyone with children. The children must be put in a proper home; they must continue to go to school. They must continue to get access to good food, good hygiene.
"And if any family has difficulty providing these things to the children, then MCYS will step in, and we will step in assertively if need be, in order to protect children."
- CNA/sc
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